Is this enough light

[slim]

Ok..just my $.02....

Lighting order...NO, PC (close one here NO if they are URI bulbs!), T5HO,and now another close one but I would go with MH and then VHO!

It's all about COLOR!!!

I don't really care anything about the shimmer MH give. But I do love the color VHO gives.

[jojo22]

Actually it's all about PAR and the amount of useable light the corals get in order to live. In which case MH still wins.

[slim]

If I were going to set up a tank, and I am going to make some people mad here, I would use VHOs" Dana Riddle 3/2/2007

[slim]

"I have to admit, the quite possibly, the best tanks I've ever seen, may have been vho tanks." – Adam Blundell

[jojo22]

Ok quotes by other people are good, but can you show me specific data that shows VHO's out perform MH??? Not what someone said but studies with par output, coral growth, things like this. There will always be a few who don't agree but detailed specs about each type of lighting show that MH provides better growth, and a more cost effective lighting option for your tank.

[slim]

That I don't have. I have only used PC and T5's. Here is a link to a web site that I just love. http://www.garf.org/ It's alittle crazy getting around but the tanks there are Wonderful.

I know that MH are the thing of today! VHO is the thing of yesterday but what will be the thing of tomorrow??? LED?? and is it good to do away totally with the past?
There are many that say MH cost more because of the heat. Chillers here in the west are a must have if you run MH. This is all just my $.02 worth for the hobbie...

Thanks,
Will

[jojo22]

In some cases you would be right. But lighting is ALWAYS a good discussion. I think that for coral growth and health MH is the way to go, but VHO's have there place also, I like them (or T-5's) for a bluer look while still running a 10-14 K halide. They still have their place and I think they will stay around for quite a while.

[slim]

JoJo...I just got some numbers on T5's

ATI

Sun Pro 357
Aquablue 336
Blue Plus 311
Actinic 137

D&D/Giesemann

Midday 325
Aquablue 324
Actinic Plus 264
Pure Actinic 157

UVL

Aqua sun 345
Actinic White 293
Super Actinic 210

AquaZ

Sun Pro 285
Ocean Pro 323
Blue Pro 266

Helios

Daylight 309
Super Blue 225

Current Sun Paq

Daylight 10K 272
Blue 252

GE Daylight 340

[jojo22]

What are the numbers?? PAR??? LUX???

[jojo22]

Also what wattages are those bulbs??? 200W of VHO would obviously be better than 70W MH but the cost difference would be huge and once again put the halides at an advantage.